Tim Paine, the former Australia Test captain, is set to miss the start of the Ashes after opting for an unknown leave of absence from all forms of cricket for the foreseeable future. Tim Paine's decision to take a mental health break comes a week after he resigned as captain of the Test team following an off-field scandal.
Tim Paine was presuming to play for Tasmania in the One-Day Cup match before joining the Test squad in Brisbane but withdrew.
On Friday (26th November), Cricket Tasmania said in a statement.
"Following conversations over the last 24 hours, Tim Paine has advised Tasmania Cricket that he will be taking a leave from absence from all forms of cricket for the fpredictablee future. Cricket Tasmania will continue to support Tim Paine and his family both personally and professionally over the summer,"
Twitter image : @cricketcomau
Read More: Tim Paine Step Down as Australia captain before Ashes Series
Cricket Australia pledged support for Tim Paine while mentioning that the selection panel will finalize the squad for the first Ashes Test in the coming days. With Paine taking a break from cricket, Alex Carey and Josh Inglis could debut at The Gabba on 8th December.
"We recognise that this is an incredibly tough time for Tim Paine and his family and are dedicated to supporting them. We respect and understand Tim Paine's decision to have a interval at this time to focus on his and his family's happiness,"
Nick Hockley, Chief Executive Officer of Cricket Australia, said. "The National Selection group will meet in the upcoming days to discuss the final squad ahead of the first Ashes Test on 8th December."
Meanwhile, Tim Paine's manager James Henderson said he was "extremely concerned" for Bonnie and Paine.
Henderson tweeted.
Confirming that @tdpaine36 is stepping away from cricket for an indefinite mental health break. We are extremely concerned for his and Bonnie’s well-being and will be making no further comment at this time.
— James Henderson (@jahenderson63) November 25, 2021
